A week ago, Arrow’s co-showrunner Marc Guggenheim made a startling revelation when answering a question on his Tumblr about the future of Slade Wilson (Deathstroke) in the DC Television Universe.
“The character of Slade Wilson is currently tied up in another DC project,” said Guggenheim.
This response had the whole internet buzzing with questions. What is this project that he spoke of? It’s easy to assume that Slade Wilson (Deathstroke) might show up in Suicide Squad. Could Deathstroke appear in Justice League: Part One? Either way, this revelation jump started speculation about who would play Slade Wilson (Deathstroke). So after much research, here are five actors who could play the infamous DC mercenary.
5. Stephen Lang
Well known for his tremendous performance in James Cameron’s Avatar, he got his start acting on the stage. He received a Tony nomination for his performance as Lou in “The Speed of Darkness.” Whether it’s been on stage or screen, Mr. Lang always thrives in the darkest of roles. It’s important to remember that Slade Wilson started off as a soldier. When he becomes Deathstroke, he feels that his actions no matter how heinous are justified.
4. Ron Pearlman
Best known for Hellboy and Sons of Anarchy, he also got his start on the stage as a trained classical actor. Mr. Pearlman has thrived in critical roles where the line between right and wrong is vague. Remember that whoever is cast as Deathstroke needs to walk that fine line at first before turning into the infamous DC villain.
3. Joe Manganiello
It’s hard to ignore just how much Mr. Manganiello has the build and the look to play the DC mercenary. This could be his golden opportunity to show the world his acting prowess. Whether he has the acting chops to pull off this role remains to be seen.
2. Jim Parrack
It’s hard not to do a double-take when one hears the name, Jim Parrack. True Blood fans will remember him as the wimpy small town guy so casting him as Deathstroke might seem a bit of a stretch. Here’s why Mr. Parrack might be the Slade Wilson we are looking for.
a) Jim Parrack is a younger actor and in the New 52 rebooted, Deathstroke is a younger guy.
b) He’s already been cast in Suicide Squad in a role that’s TBD, and as we said, It’s easy to envision Deathstroke in Suicide Squad.
c) In Fury (directed by David Ayer, who’s also directing Suicide Squad), Parrack showed that he had quite a range which again is necessary to pull off this role.
1. Scott Eastwood
If anyone were to ask which one of these five is the most likely, Scott Eastwood would be my choice and here’s why.
a) He is a younger actor and as stated before, in the New 52 Deathstroke is a younger guy.
b) He is already cast in Suicide Squad in a role that’s TBD, and as we stated, It’s easy to envision Deathstroke in Suicide Squad.
c) Mr. Eastwood has the build for Deathstroke, which is something I couldn’t say for certain about Jim Parrack.
d) DC is playing the “long” game and doesn’t want to rush these characters onto the screen, so it’s easy to see Eastwood portraying Slade Wilson in Suicide Squad then due to events in the film becoming Deathstroke. That transformation could allow him to play a part in any number of the upcoming films on the DC Slate.
So there they are my top 5 choices to play Deathstroke in the DC Cinematic Universe. What do you guys think? If this list seems incomplete, please comment and let me know who you think should be on it.
